Lindane in Spain

Greenpeace Spain has accused the Spanish government of playing down the public health implications of lindane, a widely used insecticide. Discussion centres on the presence of lindane residues in prepared baby food, which is symptomatic of a broader problem. In February this year, Greenpeace called on Angles Adamdor, Minister for Public Health to ban the use of lindane in Spain. The Minister has not replied—but is playing down the hazard posed by lindane. Greenpeace cite problems of lindane residues in the Basque Country and in Sabinanigo where it used to be produced. In the latter case, Greenpeace say that the River Gallego and the Sabinanigo Reservoir are still contaminated, five years after production ceased. The local authority has studied the situation as says that there is no threat to the local population.

Luisa Toribio, Greenpeace Spain, 3/5/94.

[This article first appeared in Pesticides News No. 24, June 1994, page 10]